Crystal Waters, the acclaimed house music pioneer celebrated for hits like “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” and “100% Pure Love,” recently shared her profound admiration for Michael Jackson’s electrifying 1982 track, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” The iconic artist highlighted the song’s enduring power and its ability to invigorate audiences across generations and genres.
Released as the opening track on Jackson’s seminal album *Thriller*, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” is renowned for its complex arrangement, driving percussion, and unmistakable African-inspired chant, “Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa.” Waters, whose career has been built on crafting rhythmically compelling and emotionally resonant dance music, points to these elements as key to the song’s timeless appeal and its inherent energetic pulse.
According to Waters, the track’s intricate groove and dynamic structure make it a masterclass in musical energy, a quality she deeply appreciates as both a performer and a producer in the house music sphere. She noted how the song transcends its pop and R&B roots, possessing a primal, dance-floor readiness that resonates with the core tenets of house music.
“There are some songs that just have a heartbeat you can’t deny, and ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’’ is absolutely one of them,” Waters explained. “From that opening drum beat, it grabs you and doesn’t let go. It’s got a sophisticated rawness that pushes you to move, to feel. For me, as someone who lives and breathes dance music, that’s the ultimate expression of power in a track – its ability to instantly energize and connect with your soul.”
The song’s infectious rhythm and vibrant instrumentation have long made it a staple in various dance cultures, from clubs to global festivals. Waters’ endorsement underscores its lasting influence not just on pop music, but also on the broader landscape of electronic and dance genres, proving its universal capacity to ignite a crowd and inspire movement.
Her perspective as a house music icon sheds light on how classic tracks continue to inform and inspire contemporary artists, demonstrating that true musical energy transcends specific eras or styles, finding new life and appreciation within different artistic communities.
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